Since this country waged its so-called war on terrorism, certain truths have leaked out. Little things like Saddam wasn't really in league with al-Qaeda, that he didn't have any WMDs and our government knew it, etc. But often times we forget that our war of terror started in Afghanistan because that's where al-Qaeda was allegedly headquartered. Let me refresh your memory -- Osama bin Laden is supposed to be camping out in a cave there. Let's face it, chasing around some dude through some caves was a lot less glamorous than scary weapons and suicide bombers. But I don't want to make light of it because we have soldiers dieing there, too. For example Pat Tillman. When he died it was natural for the media to make mention that we were still in that country fighting the invisible enemy because he was a NFL star that died for his country. We were told that he died in an ambush. His family was told the same lie. Now we are finding out that it wasn't really an ambush, but "friendly" fire. Now friendly fire really isn't all that friendly because people die from it, but it is a fact of war. People make mistakes and don't always communicate the way they should. In this case there was no communication and one of our soldiers fired on Tillman. Instead of risking a lower approval rating, the government lied and called it an ambush. Now we are finding out that Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal wrote a memo warning against this deception because someone might find out and the president would look bad. Well, don't worry about the fact that you lied to his family and your country. I think it is pretty clear that is your normal course of operations. It would be much worse for the president to look bad. That is why this is reason 9,837,902* that our government is a disgrace.
*This number may actually be higher, but I have a hard time counting this high on my fingers.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
This is for Damon
There isn't much I can say about you that others haven't already said. I know a lot of words, but I can't think of any that do you any justice. Saying things like you were warm, funny, caring, blah, blah, blah, just fall flat. Everyone you met was your friend and you didn't know a stranger. One thing I do know is that you left us too soon. For those of us that knew you are hurting deeper than we ever have because we know exactly what the world is missing now. I can't even imagine the size of the hole in Leslie's heart. It isn't very often that you get to see a great love story play out in real life and you two were the real thing.
The first time I met you, there was someone standing by us that had a camera in his hand and you insisted that he take our picture. I don't even know if you even knew that guy. After getting to know you better, it makes sense that some random guy has a picture of us. Anytime we were at the same place, I knew that it was going to one of the funnest times ever. You were such a wacky goofball. But you weren't just fun and games. You were very serious about helping anyone that needed it. You didn't have to know a person to give them the shirt off your back. When someone was down, you picked them up. And you really gave a shit about the world we lived in. And you weren't afraid to do something about it.
I was reading your blog shortly after Rumsfeld committed one of his many outrageous acts and you were saying that the letter you had written him would probably land you in Gitmo. I had happened to send him a letter about the same thing. When I told you that I would probably be seeing you at Gitmo, you responded that you couldn't wait to see me there. I think the only people that aren't going to miss you are those certain people you sent frequent emails to telling them exactly what a crappy job they are doing. I am going to try and pick up the slack for you.
On the back of the program at your memorial service there is a list of things that you would want people to do in your memory: plant a tree, vote, tell your family and friends you love them, write a letter to a newspaper about something you care about, laugh, write a song, start a blog, adopt a pet, do a silly dance, open your door to strangers and friends alike, open your heart to the world, believe you can make a difference, make a difference, smile often, adopt a foster child, draw a picture, pray to the god of your choice, stand up to injustices, donate to Raven Rance-Riley's college fund, throw a party, and love, love, love.
This list is a very short list of the things that you actually did during your short life. You walked the walk and the rest of us are going to be lucky to truly master half of the things on this list in our lifetime.
The first time I met you, there was someone standing by us that had a camera in his hand and you insisted that he take our picture. I don't even know if you even knew that guy. After getting to know you better, it makes sense that some random guy has a picture of us. Anytime we were at the same place, I knew that it was going to one of the funnest times ever. You were such a wacky goofball. But you weren't just fun and games. You were very serious about helping anyone that needed it. You didn't have to know a person to give them the shirt off your back. When someone was down, you picked them up. And you really gave a shit about the world we lived in. And you weren't afraid to do something about it.
I was reading your blog shortly after Rumsfeld committed one of his many outrageous acts and you were saying that the letter you had written him would probably land you in Gitmo. I had happened to send him a letter about the same thing. When I told you that I would probably be seeing you at Gitmo, you responded that you couldn't wait to see me there. I think the only people that aren't going to miss you are those certain people you sent frequent emails to telling them exactly what a crappy job they are doing. I am going to try and pick up the slack for you.
On the back of the program at your memorial service there is a list of things that you would want people to do in your memory: plant a tree, vote, tell your family and friends you love them, write a letter to a newspaper about something you care about, laugh, write a song, start a blog, adopt a pet, do a silly dance, open your door to strangers and friends alike, open your heart to the world, believe you can make a difference, make a difference, smile often, adopt a foster child, draw a picture, pray to the god of your choice, stand up to injustices, donate to Raven Rance-Riley's college fund, throw a party, and love, love, love.
This list is a very short list of the things that you actually did during your short life. You walked the walk and the rest of us are going to be lucky to truly master half of the things on this list in our lifetime.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Just one week...
...and Deadliest Catch starts again. I can't tell you exactly what it is about that show, but I am hooked. I can honestly say that I never thought I'd get into a show about crabbing, but it is much, much more. Those guys on those ships are hardcore and slightly insane. The show keeps you on the seat of your pants because they can die at anytime. Seriously. If you haven't ever seen it, check it out on the Discovery Channel on Tuesday, April 3rd, 9 pm EST.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Return of the Legion of Doom
Once upon a time I was looking at my law license and noticed that every single Texas Supreme Court Justice that signed it was evil. I dubbed them the "Legion of Doom." Last on the list, but not least, is Alberto Gonzales. I noticed this at a time when I was looking for a job. It made me wonder if it was some sort of struggle between good and evil (as in the bad juju on my license was keeping me from prospering). What can I say? I had a lot of time on my hands. As I am once again looking for a change in career, I wonder if that bad juju is going to kick a girl when she is down.
Of course, some of the members of the Legion of Doom are busy spreading their evil among others:
1. Nathan Hecht is busy trying to convince the State of Texas to pay the legal bills for his bad judgment in supporting Harriet Miers in her bid to be on the Supreme Court.
2. Priscilla Owen is busy being an inept judge on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (only after being confirmed on the second try).
3. Greg Abbott is busy screwing things up as Texas Attorney General. My favorite was his retarded AG Opinion that had to be suspended because its effect was to shut down every county clerk in the state.
3. James A. Baker, Craig T. Enoch, and Deborah Hankinson are now in private practice.
4. Harriet O'Neil, a Dubya appointee is still on the bench.
5. And we all know what ole Alberto is up to these days. Dismissing attorneys for doing their jobs. I can't even begin to tell you how that pisses me off. In the end, these attorneys will be better off because there are plenty of law firms and law schools that will hire them. However, most of these attorneys took these jobs thinking that they would be doing a great thing for this country. It must be a real blow to your self-esteem to be fired for doing your job. Not much justice in that, is there? Oh the irony.
So there's my two cents on the Legion of Doom. Basically, they suck.
Of course, some of the members of the Legion of Doom are busy spreading their evil among others:
1. Nathan Hecht is busy trying to convince the State of Texas to pay the legal bills for his bad judgment in supporting Harriet Miers in her bid to be on the Supreme Court.
2. Priscilla Owen is busy being an inept judge on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (only after being confirmed on the second try).
3. Greg Abbott is busy screwing things up as Texas Attorney General. My favorite was his retarded AG Opinion that had to be suspended because its effect was to shut down every county clerk in the state.
3. James A. Baker, Craig T. Enoch, and Deborah Hankinson are now in private practice.
4. Harriet O'Neil, a Dubya appointee is still on the bench.
5. And we all know what ole Alberto is up to these days. Dismissing attorneys for doing their jobs. I can't even begin to tell you how that pisses me off. In the end, these attorneys will be better off because there are plenty of law firms and law schools that will hire them. However, most of these attorneys took these jobs thinking that they would be doing a great thing for this country. It must be a real blow to your self-esteem to be fired for doing your job. Not much justice in that, is there? Oh the irony.
So there's my two cents on the Legion of Doom. Basically, they suck.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Oh no! Anonymous hates me!
So, last September I had a difficult time getting a pizza with no cheese on half. It was more funny than anything else. But Anonymous got really pissed off about the whole thing and told me all about it. Well, Anonymous still hasn't gotten over it and wrote me again today.
Read all about it!
Read all about it!
Monday, March 12, 2007
1 Prick, 2 Pricks, 3 Pricks...
Some days it is really easy to narrow down who the assholes are. Today I have picked three: Texas State Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht; Rep. Tony Goolsby, R-Dallas; and Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio.
These guys are assholes for so many reasons, but today we can link them all together. So, here is a little background. When Bush decided to nominate Harriet Miers to be a Supreme Court Justice, her ex-sweetie, Texas State Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht decided to publicly and actively support her nomination. You know, giving about 120 interviews singing her praises. Some people thought that this was a misuse of his office. He was investigated for ethics violation so he hired lawyers. He is now claiming that the State of Texas should foot his legal bill because they found no wrongdoing (it was not a unanimous decision). But don't worry the bill isn't much - just $340,000.00 (and that's after the fee reduction). So now there are identical bills that have been filed in both the House and the Senate by the other two assholes: Rep. Tony Goolsby and Sen. Jeff Wentworth. They think he should get a free ride too. In my opinion, he should have hired cheaper lawyers if he didn't want to shell out the big bucks to keep his hide out of hot water. I wonder how many kids can get CHIP with that money? How many schoolbooks does that buy? So many questions...
These guys are assholes for so many reasons, but today we can link them all together. So, here is a little background. When Bush decided to nominate Harriet Miers to be a Supreme Court Justice, her ex-sweetie, Texas State Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht decided to publicly and actively support her nomination. You know, giving about 120 interviews singing her praises. Some people thought that this was a misuse of his office. He was investigated for ethics violation so he hired lawyers. He is now claiming that the State of Texas should foot his legal bill because they found no wrongdoing (it was not a unanimous decision). But don't worry the bill isn't much - just $340,000.00 (and that's after the fee reduction). So now there are identical bills that have been filed in both the House and the Senate by the other two assholes: Rep. Tony Goolsby and Sen. Jeff Wentworth. They think he should get a free ride too. In my opinion, he should have hired cheaper lawyers if he didn't want to shell out the big bucks to keep his hide out of hot water. I wonder how many kids can get CHIP with that money? How many schoolbooks does that buy? So many questions...
Monday, March 05, 2007
Beware of daylight savings time
So this year, it is extra special because we start daylight savings time next weekend. Of course, it is usually a suprise to me when it happens so the fact that I know about it ahead of time makes it "extra special" not that they have changed when DST starts! This year, they have added a month to daylight savings time to cut energy use. I promise that once summer hits, it won't matter what time it is because my air conditioning will be on full blast 24-7.
Of course, this time of year becomes confusing for jet-setting types because other countries don't adjust for daylight savings time when we do, if they do it at all. So, this just to warn you that you need to "spring forward" on Saturday night and if you need to call another country you need to calculate the time difference accordingly. Since I only email my international friends, this does not apply to me.
Something I have always wondered is if daylight savings time is so great, then why don't we stay on it all year round? Time is relative and changing the time is just confusing. We don't care what anyone else is doing with their time. Europe has a different schedule and Asia doesn't even change time.
I do know this -- that it was not fun to "fall back" last year. My dogs get up at the same time everyday and demand to be fed at 8 am and 8 pm. It was not fun to wake up an hour early to let them out and have them bark at me because they thought it was 8 when it was only 7. I suppose that I could have adjusted to account for the time, but I don't want to wake up at 6:45 am everyday. Hopefully, the spring forward will not be so hard to adjust to...
Of course, this time of year becomes confusing for jet-setting types because other countries don't adjust for daylight savings time when we do, if they do it at all. So, this just to warn you that you need to "spring forward" on Saturday night and if you need to call another country you need to calculate the time difference accordingly. Since I only email my international friends, this does not apply to me.
Something I have always wondered is if daylight savings time is so great, then why don't we stay on it all year round? Time is relative and changing the time is just confusing. We don't care what anyone else is doing with their time. Europe has a different schedule and Asia doesn't even change time.
I do know this -- that it was not fun to "fall back" last year. My dogs get up at the same time everyday and demand to be fed at 8 am and 8 pm. It was not fun to wake up an hour early to let them out and have them bark at me because they thought it was 8 when it was only 7. I suppose that I could have adjusted to account for the time, but I don't want to wake up at 6:45 am everyday. Hopefully, the spring forward will not be so hard to adjust to...
Friday, March 02, 2007
Happy Texas Independence Day!
If you are lucky enough to be a state employee, you might get the day off or you might get overtime for being on the skeleton crew. Either way, it pays to work for the State of Texas on such a pretty day.
On this day 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. However, it was not until the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836 that Texas won the war. Also of note, March 2 is also Sam Houston's birthday. For all you non-Texans, he was the commander in chief of the Texas army. It was when Houston and his men captured Mexican general Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto that the independence of Texas was offically recognized. Sam Houston went on to serve as the first President of the Republic of Texas (he also served a non-succesive second term), as US Senator, and as Governor.
"Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States cannot make it without Texas! -- Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas
On this day 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. However, it was not until the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836 that Texas won the war. Also of note, March 2 is also Sam Houston's birthday. For all you non-Texans, he was the commander in chief of the Texas army. It was when Houston and his men captured Mexican general Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto that the independence of Texas was offically recognized. Sam Houston went on to serve as the first President of the Republic of Texas (he also served a non-succesive second term), as US Senator, and as Governor.
"Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States cannot make it without Texas! -- Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas
Austin's latest problem...
...cars in trees. You heard me. Cars in Trees. The story was much more interesting and entertaining when I read about it. However when I clicked on the video, I found out that the cars weren't really in the trees. It just looks that way when you are on the lake. Once you get to the shore they are on the ground. Very misleading. Of course the only way for the cars to get there was over a big cliff. That's kind of interesting. But not as interesting as actual cars in actual trees.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Texas is #5...
... in teen pregnancy rates. Guess that abstinance only education is really paying off. Obviously telling teenagers not to have sex is stopping them right in their tracks. Whatever. That is the most ridulous thing I have ever heard. Since the beginning of time teenagers have been actively not listening to authority figures. For some reason there are people that think that teaching teenagers about birth control will encourage them to have sex. Well, telling them not to certainly isn't stopping them.
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